Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus review, manual and guides

Bitdefender Mobile Security[1] is developed by one of the security industry leaders Bitdefender. The company was founded in 2001 and is currently is based in Romania. Today Bitdefender is one of the most popular cybersecurity software providers and has more than 500 million customers in 150 countries worldwide. Bitdefender focuses on providing award-winning security solutions and uses advanced technologies such as machine learning.

Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus is one of the most advanced and feature-rich security applications for Android devices and supports smartphones, tablets, and Android Wear smartwatches.

Bitdefender does not follow a traditional freemium model, however, users can try Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus for free for 14 days. After the trial period ends, Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus will cost you $1.49 a month or $14.95 a year per device.

For those who look for basic antivirus protection Bitdefender has developed Bitdefender Antivirus Free that uses powerful in-the-cloud scanning technology in order to protect Android devices against cyber threats and malware. However, the free version does not include any other additional features.

If you are looking for family protection for multiple devices that includes Mac and PC antivirus users should consider Bitdefender Total Security or Bitdefender Family Pack.

Test Results

Antivirus protection

Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus provides users one of the most advanced anti-malware engines. The application was tested by an independent German-based testing lab AV-TEST,[3] which indicated that the antivirus app successfully detected and removed 100% of both widespread and zero-day malware samples installed on the test device. The application was also nominated as “Best Android Security Product 2015 – 2017”.

Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus also includes Web Security which protects users while browsing the web and supports the most popular browsers including Google Chrome, Dolphin, Firefox, Opera, Opera Mini, the Samsung standard browser, and the Facebook browser. The Web Security browser also warns users about unsafe websites and informs a description of the particular concern, based on a real-time connection to the company’s cloud-based services database.

Features

Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus comes with a very decent security and privacy feature set. The application provides advanced Malware Scanner with 100% detection rate, Account Privacy that verifies if your accounts have been breached, App Lock that enables users to lock their apps with a PIN code, Anti-Theft features that can lock, track and wipe users’ devices. In addition, Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus can be extended to Android WearON SmartWatch. However, the application does not include a call or text filter.

Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus also includes a VPN service that allows users to browse the web anonymously, and bypass geographical restrictions. It provides free 200 MB traffic per day.

System-performance impact

Due to Bitdefender’s cloud-based mobile threat detection and security services, the application efficiently safeguards users against malware and other mobile threats and does not impact device’s speed or battery life.

Scanning performance

Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus does not provide a lot of functionality. Users cannot schedule scans and are only able to conduct manual scans of their devices. The scans can also be performed remotely through the Bitdefender Central web portal. In addition, all newly installed or updated apps are automatically scanned. The scans take about 30 to 40 seconds.

Support

Bitdefender provides its customers with 24/7 customer support via chat or phone call. If you do not require a live support, Bitdefender also has online-support files and forums that can help users to find answers to the most common issues.

Usage

Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus can also be managed through the Bitdefender Central web portal, so users can remotely perform scans and check the devices’ health. The application’s interface is simple and easy to use. However, the interface is also very plain and does not include a much visual appeal.

The final verdict

Bitdefender Mobile Security and Antivirus is one of the best choices for Android users. The superior anti-malware protection, excellent detection rates, a very comprehensive set of extra features and even a VPN service will protect your Android device without slowing it down. Bitdefender also has a very simple interface and helpful customer service. Everything at a very competitive price – $14.95 a year.